Your Views: Retired teachers oppose cuts to senior care plan

We recently had to find a new physician because our doctor no longer wanted to practice in Wisconsin under new program changes. It was a devastating blow to us and almost impossible to find another doctor. Our concern now is that this is just the beginning. In 2010, more than $200 billion was taken from Medicare Advantage, the residual effect of which we’re now experiencing. The backlash of funding cuts always impacts the unsuspecting public the hardest.

We’re retired teachers here in Milton, and we don’t have Medicare Advantage plans. Nevertheless, we’re concerned that our fellow senior citizens will suffer if this program suffers more funding reductions. As we grow older, we typically have more need for medical treatment. If Congress targets Medicare Advantage for further cuts, the quality of services could decrease and costs would likely increase for the millions of seniors enrolled in Advantage plans.

In our retirement years, we remain politically aware and active when an issue needs our support. Health care for America’s seniors is high on the list of priorities. Moving forward, our representatives in Washington need to help senior citizens across the country by opposing any further funding cuts to Medicare Advantage.